Nile Academy fo Engineering

Dep. OF Architecture

History
&Theory of
Architecture2
Course Faculty
2022-2023

Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023

Functionalism
Environmental
History &Theory of
Architecture2
Studies

Functionalism
• Reasons and justifications for appearing
• general thought
• Analytical comparison
•The most famous architects
•Functional and urban planning
•Le Corbusier
• The development of Corbusier's architectural thought
• The five points and the new features of modern architecture as Le
Corbusier's Mara
•The problem of housing and residential buildings
•City planning.
Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023
 Functionalism
History &Theory of
The Bauhaus School Architecture2
The Bauhaus is considered an educational center for crafts and arts and a
stronghold for rational thought. Its influence lasted for fourteen years, starting
from 1919 after the First World War until 1933 in Germany. Its management was
entrusted to Walter Gerbius.
- The school was built on the remains of an old school known as the School of
Arts
- This school is most attached to the name of its founder and its programs are
clear, W.Jropus, in addition to the association of its appearance with the
names of architects, Claudik Mes van derrohe L.Mes van derrohe
- general thought
- The first programs of the school relied on crafts and arts, and the overlap
between architecture and the colors of other arts
- The first statement of the school talks about a new method of education based The Bauhaus School, W.Jropus
on mastering the craft through practical experience and supporting it with
theoretical aspects.
- The influence of expressionism was evident in the activities of this art center
during the first founding phase of the Bauhaus from 1919 to 1923.
- The influence of the Bauhaus in its early stages, like other schools, was
influenced by the innovative artistic movements that were active in
architecture and the arts, and the DE STIJL style appeared.
- Objectives and basic principles: summarized in Clarity and avoidance of
anything that does not reflect the real architecture
-Compatibility of content and implementation in residential buildings with
economic capabilities
- Taking into account the technical and economic aspects
- Standardizing and modeling the design of residential buildings to increase
the volume of residential construction
Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023
Functionalism
History &Theory of
Adopting and following prefabricated construction methods Architecture2
-The importance of teamwork and avoiding extremist opinions There must be a
correlation between the size and shape of the building and its function, as it reflects
the functional relationships between its departments The contrast between the
surfaces of the solid walls and the large surfaces, while preserving the natural lighting
necessary for each of the building’s sections and elements.
- The originality of the building and the nature of its renewal through the glass
facades of rectangular parallelepipeds, where the structural elements (columns)
retreat behind the facades independently of the external glass walls
-The most important architect Walter
- Western Western's point of view was that the Bauhaus should remain open to the
influence of contemporary artistic movements, provided that it does not include
conflicting currents.
-Western architecture linked architecture with other arts derived from the beauty
and heritage of folk arts Western was liberated from his visions of idealism and
romanticism, and his ideas and perceptions began to crystallize and become clear
under the influence of the renewal movements in architecture, and the new vision of
the Bauhaus school began to develop.
The activity of the Bauhaus was not limited to Europe only, but rather moved to
America, and with the movement of the first pioneers (Gharbius, Mies Van Dreroy)
and others, American architecture was clearly influenced by the architectural culture
of the Bauhaus school and the German architectural culture.
The Bauhaus was greatly affected by the functional direction and structural
architecture, and the development of functionalism and construction occurred for a
period of time under the influence of the ideas of the Bauhaus school and its early
pioneers.

Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023

Functionalism
History &Theory of
•Functionalism Architecture2
•Functional theory is considered one of the most architectural
trends keeping pace with the development of contemporary
architecture since the twenties of this century until our days.
•-Reasons and justifications for the emergence:
•The various currents, which appeared as a natural reaction to
imitation and simulation and to the deterioration reached by
architecture, were unable to affect except specific aspects of
contemporary architecture issues and problems, which was the
cause of the emergence of other different, more comprehensive
theories and trends, as is the case with rational trends. And
functionalism, which in turn shed light on other aspects of the
basic aspects of architecture and corrected the lack that occurred
in understanding architecture and its practical and applied role, as
it opened up new horizons for modern architecture.
• General thought: The functional trend was characterized by the
realistic style and scientific methodology: which earned the
functional architecture a great reputation, which was associated
with many famous architects and pioneers of contemporary such
as: Walter Gropius, Louis Sullivan: Miss Van Drew, Frank Lloyd
Wright and others

The Bauhaus School, W.Jropus

Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023
Functionalism
History &Theory of
•Functional architecture is a natural continuation of rational Architecture2
thought and a more advanced stage of rational architecture.
•The formal concept of functionalism has changed in the
United States of America, closely linked to living nature and
natural and environmental data. The concept of functionalism
sometimes overlapped with the organic theory in
architecture.
• In Europe, the concept of functionalism has transformed in
some cases to likening the final architectural product to a
machine, which led to functional and technical extremism and
equality between functionalism in architecture and the
function of a machine, which leads to neglecting the
importance of the sensual and aesthetic aspects in relation to
architecture.
• Negative criticism: Despite the soundness of the general
premises of this theory and its connection with the essence of
architecture and its actual role, it has been marred, at one
time or another, by a wrong understanding of functionality
and architecture as a concept, which has led some
architectural works of a purely functional nature to monotony
and stagnation, and clarified architectural forms closer to
mechanical forms.
•Many agree on the link between the emergence of
functionalism as a well-defined trend in architecture and the
crystallization of the ideas and perceptions of the German
Bauhaus School and the concepts of the pioneer of this school,
the first and the Tragrepius
Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023
Functionalism
•Comparing his analysis of the basic positions of the architecture that preceded the History &Theory of
emergence of functional architecture and the advanced thought of function Architecture2
• The buildings of the pre-functional architecture in most cases had symmetrical
configurations and sizes despite the difference in the functional, planning and natural
data of the site, while the functional architecture derives its components from the
functional characteristics of the building, the planning data of the site and the
topography of the land and is closely related to the surrounding natural environment.
•- The basic models of the old (pre-functional) architecture take the paradigmatic form as
a style for the interior and exterior architecture, while we find that the project in
(functional architecture) is above all a reflection of the interactions and the different
functional requirements of the building, such as achieving the necessary dimensions,
areas, volumes, natural lighting, and maintaining the necessary rates and standards for
health requirements
•- The external appearance of the pre-functional architecture expresses honesty and
frankness, as the appearance does not reflect the essence of the functional solution,
while we find that the expression of the function and its projection in the external
architecture is the external appearance of the building from the most important
characteristics and advantages of modern architecture
• Showing the construction and its different elements in the old architecture (pre-
functional) is desirable, while showing the construction elements is important, especially
in buildings that have aesthetic characteristics, and emphasizing it through the interior
and exterior architecture of the building is one of the basic features of functional
architecture. Hence, the relationship between the functional and structural concepts is
clear in Building today
•The old architecture (pre-functionalism) focused on the aesthetic aspect of the
architectural form and gave it preference over the basic aspects, while the functional
architecture seeks unity and consistency between the aspects of the basic architecture,
with a focus on the importance of the functional aspect in relation to some buildings of a
special nature.
Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023
Functionalism
History &Theory of
The most famous architects Le Architecture2
Corbusier
Frank Lloyd Wright
Kendzo Tangei, pioneer of contemporary
Japanese architecture
Lud Vic Mies Van Derroy dealt with the job
through his own vision of architecture and within
the framework of the technical features and
features of his architecture.
-Functional and urban planning: The impact of
the functional premises was not limited to the
architectural field, but rather included aspects of
the various planning and urban activities. The
planning structures in contemporary planning are
based mainly on the clarity of the functions of the
city and on the unity and integration between
the areas of the city with a city with different
functions.
- LE CORBUSIER Le Corbusier's name is closely
linked to the development of modern
architectural thought throughout the period
between the end of World War I until now. Le
Corbusier is also considered a supporter of the
functional trend in architecture, as we notice the
influence of his ideas and works on structural
VILLA SAVOYE, POISSY (NR. PARIS) LE CORBUSIER architecture and some artistic trends.
Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023
Functionalism
History &Theory of
Architecture2

•The development of architectural thought, Le

Corbusier
•An idea can be classified into two stages:
•They reflect the development of his ideas and his
architectural personality, as they reflect somewhat
the contradiction that befalls contemporary
architecture.
•The first phase: reflects the production of Lor
Corbusier during the period between the First and
Second World Wars The first style reflects his
adherence to straight lines, simple and
straightforward regular geometric shapes and
volumes His urban and planning works were also
affected by absolute geometric shapes and sizes. He
criticized romantic trends in city planning through
his cubist vision and theory about purity in the
arts. Building capacity
• The second phase: is depicted in the features of Le
Corbusier's architecture in the period after World
War II and until his death in 1965. His departure
from geometric shapes, his interest in free curved
lines, and his desire to give great flexibility to
architectural shapes and sizes.
VILLA SAVOYE, POISSY (NR. PARIS) LE CORBUSIER
Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023
Functionalism
History &Theory of
Architecture2

Le Corbusier , and architecture

He is famous for the frank and simple
architectural formations stemming from a
correct understanding of the function and not
the simplicity resulting from the shallowness
and poverty of architectural thought.
In contrast to following the rational trend in
architecture, religion sees architecture as a pure
constructive science, that architecture touches
the sensual and spiritual aspect of man, and
therefore it takes out the framework of
construction and research.
He believes that sense precedes thought, and
that the mind, therefore, searches for
explanations for the actions resulting from the
sense, and that the sense explores and the mind
confirms that when architecture is designed, it
creates proportions, and these proportions, in
turn, give rise to a specific aesthetic sense for
the viewer, and this is what architecture is for Le
Corbusier (Le Corbusier).
- The basic thing in architecture, as Le Corbusier
believes, is the feelings that the designer
transmits, the formations that he adopts, and
VILLA SAVOYE, POISSY (NR. PARIS) LE CORBUSIER the strength of their influence.
Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023
Lec-3
History &Theory of
Architecture2

Le Corbusier was influenced by cubism and

artistic abstraction
Proportions have a fundamental importance in
relation to the beauty of architectural work, as
he sees that art is found in the simplest
architectural forms united according to the
laws of proportion and consistency,
architecture has nothing to do with decoration
with the simplest means and architectural
forms united according to the laws of
proportion and consistency, architecture has
nothing to do with decoration and different
architectural styles, beauty is everywhere
When we aspire to reach it and where the
means are available to ensure its achievement,
and these means are the correct proportions,
the beautiful proportions do not entail any
expenses on the owner of the house, as they
stem from the talent of the designer,
everything related to proportions and is
subject to proportion: dimensions,
measurements, construction, lighting, colors
- Le Corbusier emphasized the prevailing
academic frameworks and spirit that
demanded the imitation of the architectural
style and the simulation of old buildings and
learning from them. He called for renewal,
simplicity and distance from decoration.

Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023

VILLA SAVOYE,
POISSY (NR. PARIS)
LE CORBUSIER
• “A house is a machine for living in”

VILLA SAVOYE, POISSY (NR. PARIS) LE CORBUSIER

Dr/Amira Mersal
VILLA SAVOYE,
POISSY (NR. PARIS)
LE CORBUSIER “A house is a machine for living in”

Cultural association with place and time

Dr/Amira Mersal
VILLA SAVOYE,
POISSY (NR. PARIS)
LE CORBUSIER
5 points of Architecture
1 Free Plan
• Separation of structure and enclosure allows rooms to flow
from one to another
2 Free Facade
• Separation of structure and enclosure also allows
uninterrupted windows
3 Pilotis
• Raising the building from the ground separates it from
dampness and opens it to light and air
4 Ribbon Windows
• Continuous windows provide broad views creating a visual
and psychological link with outdoors
5 Roof Terrace
Flat roofs allow for the roof to be functional space and to
provide a private and protected
Dr/Amira Mersal outdoor space
VILLA SAVOYE,
POISSY (NR. PARIS) 1. FREE PLAN
LE CORBUSIER

Dr/Amira Mersal
VILLA SAVOYE,
POISSY (NR. PARIS) 2. FREE FAÇADE
LE CORBUSIER

Dr/Amira Mersal
VILLA SAVOYE,
POISSY (NR. PARIS)
LE CORBUSIER 3. PILOTIS

Dr/Amira Mersal
VILLA SAVOYE,
POISSY (NR. PARIS)
LE CORBUSIER 4. RIBBON WINDOWS

Dr/Amira Mersal
VILLA SAVOYE,
POISSY (NR. PARIS) 5. ROOF TERRACE
LE CORBUSIER

Dr/Amira Mersal
VILLA SAVOYE,
POISSY (NR. PARIS)
LE CORBUSIER PLANS

ROOF

MAIN

GROUND

Dr/Amira Mersal
VILLA SAVOYE,
POISSY (NR. PARIS)
LE CORBUSIER SECTIONS AND ELEVATIONS

Dr/Amira Mersal
 How is Human Scale related to
Engineering and Architecture?
A branch of Engineering that has developed because of
the study of human scale is Ergonomics.

Ergonomics is the applied science that coordinates

the design of devices, systems, and environments
with our physiological and psychological
capabilities and requirements.
Ergonomics can be simply defined as
HUMAN ENGINEERING.
Anthropometry can be broken down into two roots
 anthropo – Greek meaning “human”
 metry – Greek meaning “the process of
measuring”

Anthropometry literally means “the process of

measuring humans.”

The formal definition is the measurement of the

size and proportions of the human body.
 Anthropometry
Anthropometry is based on functional ratios and
average human dimensions.
Functional ratios affect
•Things we handle
•Height and distance of
things we reach
•Dimensions of furnishings
we use for sitting,
working, eating, and
sleeping
Who is famous for studying human
scale?
Charles-Édouard Jeanneret (October
6, 1887 – August 27, 1965), also
known as Le Corbusier, is one of
many architects to study human
scale. Le Corbusier is famous
creating the proportional system
know as Modulor.
 Modulor
Le Corbusier began studying human scale around 1942.
His first published study, entitled The Modulor: A
Harmonious Measure to the Human Scale Universally
Applicable to Architecture and Mechanics, was in 1948.
 Modulor
Modulor is based on two things:
Proportions of the human body & Mathematics

In mathematics, the numbers below represent a series.

0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13, ?

The next term should be 21 because the pattern is to add

the previous two numbers to get the next term. 8+13=21
Examples of Corbu's Modulor
These proportional dimensions were used
for detecting the following dimensions:
27 cm. - the height of the armchair while
sitting
43 cm - the height of the chair
70 cm - the height of the table
86 cm - the height of the countertop
113 cm - the height of the bar
140 cm - the height of the armchair
horizontal arm
183 cm - human height
226 cm - human height with arm lifted up
The Modulor system by Le Corbusier
The Modulor system is the most famous standard of
proportions
used in architecture. It is a scale of measurements
andproportions of the human body devised by
Swiss architect Le
Corbusier (1887–1965).
Le Corbusier bridged the relationship between the
Imperial System (e.g. inch and feet) and the Metric
System (e.g.
millimetre and metre) by providing a system which
takes the heights and proportions of the human
form as a universal standard. The system is based
on the human body in different
gestures. Le Corbusier applied the system in his
drawings,
furniture design and architecture

.‫ سم‬2.52
Functionalism
History &Theory of
Architecture2

‫النقاط الخمسه فى العماره الحديثه للكوربوزييه‬

‫لوكوربوزييه وجسم االنسان‬

Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023

Lec-3
History &Theory of
Architecture2

•The most important features of Le Corbusier's thought in the field of planning:

• The planning, theoretical and practical premises were characterized by a conscious functional understanding. He identified th
basic modern city with four functions (housing - work - entertainment and cultural activity - movement, transport and
communications) as evidenced by the plans of the cities of San Paolo - Algeria - Rio de Janeiro - Chandigarh and others.
• - His theories of planning are bold compared to the time in which they were put forward
• He was one of the first religious pioneers who had ideas and perceptions about the planning problems that contemporary citi
suffer from and about the modern city as an integrated alternative to the old city.
•- An opponent of the prevailing traditional trends in planning
•- He rejected the planning methods that are based on the formation of closed internal spaces confined between the building
that spread during that period, and he expressed his fear of pollution.
• From the planning and architectural works:
• Scheme of the new city of Chandigarh in 1953. The administrative and political capital of the Punjab province in India, which
should replace the old capital of Lahore, which became at that time in Pakistan, in addition to preparing the executive
architectural studies for many buildings of the administrative and political center of the city

Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023

 History &Theory of
Architecture2

Le Corbusier-Roncham 1950
Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023
 History &Theory of
Architecture2

Le Corbusier-Roncham 1950
Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023
 History &Theory of
Architecture2
Le Corbusier-Marseille 1954
The problem of housing and residential
buildings:
Le Corbusier believes that the problem
of housing is the problem of the era,
and to overcome that:
- Le Corbusier proposes to solve the
housing problem by adopting designs
with minimal spaces and an acceptable
economic cost.
Employing modern technologies and the
facilities provided by the prefabricated
building and factory
- He focused his attention in particular
on the planning level, whose population
ranged between 1,200 and 1,500
people. For this purpose, he designed
and implemented a number of buildings
and residential groups of an innovative
and experimental nature.
Among those buildings is the famous
experimental residential building in
Marseille, 1952
Theory of Architecture2 ,Dep. of Architecture. Dr/ Amira Mersal -2022-2023
Thanks